WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;
WHEREAS, Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 provides that the Governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed;
WHEREAS, under section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, each principal department of state government is under the supervision of the Governor unless otherwise provided by the Constitution;
WHEREAS, preparing students for the future does not begin and end with the school bell;
WHEREAS, students need enriching opportunities outside of school hours and guidance while at school to become productive and responsible members of our communities;
WHEREAS, research demonstrates that mentoring reduces crime;
WHEREAS, it is important that the State of Michigan identify and encourage mentoring, promote individuals and organizations that serve as outstanding examples of a commitment to mentoring, and convince Michigan citizens of the importance of service to others through mentoring;
WHEREAS, a statewide effort to develop a mentoring clearinghouse in conjunction with existing organizations, recruit citizens to serve as mentors, facilitate advocacy for mentoring, and promote standards is needed;
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has established a community-based and community-driven infrastructure for state-assisted national and community service through the Michigan Community Service Commission and its public- and private-sector partnering organizations;
WHEREAS, establishment of the Mentor Michigan Leadership Council within the Michigan Community Service Commission will increase the quality and quantity of mentoring throughout Michigan;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:
I. DEFINITIONS
A. “Commission” means the Michigan Community Service Commission created under 1994 PA 219, MCL 408.221, which later was transferred to the Department of Career Development by Executive Order 1999-1, MCL 408.40, and then to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth by Executive Order 2003-18, MCL 445.2011.
B. “Council” means the Mentor Michigan Leadership Council created within the Michigan Community Service Commission by this Order.
1. “Department” means the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, the principal department created as the Department of Commerce under Section 225 of the Executive Organization Act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.325, renamed the Department of Consumer and Industry Services under Executive Order 1996-2, MCL 445.2001, and renamed the Department of Labor and Economic Growth by Executive Order 2003-18, MCL 445.2011.
II. CREATION OF MENTOR MICHIGAN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
A. The Mentor Michigan Leadership Council is created as an advisory body within the Michigan Community Service Commission.
B. The Council shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the Governor. Of the members initially appointed, 4 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on September 30, 2006; 4 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on September 30, 2007; 4 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on September 30, 2008, and 3 members shall be appointed for terms expiring on September 30, 2009. After the initial appointments, members of the Council shall be appointed to 4-year terms.
C. A vacancy on the Council occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
III. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL
A. The Council shall act in an advisory capacity and shall do all of the following:
1. Review, develop, and advise the Governor and the Commission on the development and implementation of a statewide mentoring initiative to be known as “Mentor Michigan.”
2. Develop and recommend to the Governor and the Commission a plan for Mentor Michigan. The plan shall do all of the following:
a. Identify existing mentoring activities and encourage additional mentoring activities throughout Michigan.
b. Make recommendations on the coordination of the mentoring activities of state departments and agencies.
c. Educate Michigan citizens about the importance of mentoring.
d. Promote individuals, organizations, and institutions that serve as outstanding examples of mentoring.
e. Coordinate the use of volunteer resources to recruit Michigan residents to serve as mentors.
f. Identify and promote standards for mentoring programs.
g. Develop and recommend a clearinghouse in partnership with existing mentoring organizations to identify and place mentors.
h. Advocate on behalf of mentors, mentoring organizations, and expansion of mentoring in Michigan.
3. Annually update the plan developed under Section III.A.2 and submit the updated plan to the Governor and the Commission not later than 60 days after the close of each fiscal year.
4. Advise the Governor and the Commission on the development and establishment of local mentoring initiatives.
B. As directed by the Chairperson of the Commission, Commission staff shall assist the Council with the preparation of grant and other funding applications submitted to public and private funding sources and assist the Council with the establishment of policies and procedures regarding the use of grant and other funds.
C. The Council shall provide other information or advice as directed by the Governor or the Chairperson of the Commission.
IV. OPERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL
A. The Council shall be staffed and assisted by personnel from the Commission as directed by the Governor or the Chairperson of the Commission. Any budgeting, procurement, and related management functions of the Council shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the Director of the Department in consultation with the Chairperson of the Commission.
B. The Council may select from among its members a Vice-Chairperson.
C. The Council shall select from among its members a Secretary. Council staff shall assist the Secretary with recordkeeping responsibilities.
D. A majority of the members of the Council serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the Council’s business. The Council shall act by a majority vote of its serving members.
E. The Council shall adopt procedures consistent with Michigan law and this Order governing its organization and operations and may establish committees and request public participation on advisory panels as the Council deems necessary. The Council also may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by committees or advisory panels.
F. The Council shall meet at the call of the Chairperson and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Council.
G. In developing recommendations, the Council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments form the public. The Council also may consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including, but not limited to, experts in the private sector, organized labor, government agencies, and at institutions of higher education.
H. Members of the Council shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses according to relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.
I. The Council may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Council and the performance of its duties as the Director of the Department deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with this Order, and the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.
J. The Council may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations shall be expended in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and procedures.
K. Members of the Council shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Department.
V. MISCELLANEOUS
A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state or of any political subdivision of this state shall give to the Council, or to any member or representative of the Council, any necessary assistance required by the Council, or any member or representative of the Council, in the performance of the duties of the Council so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or investigation of the Council.
B. Any suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by, against, or before any entity affected by this Order shall not abate by reason of the taking effect of this Order
C. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Order.
This Order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 20th day of January, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and six.
___________________________________
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
BY THE GOVERNOR:
____________________________________
SECRETARY OF STATE
